UNITED KINGDOM

While populist calls for protectionist policies, largely inspired by perceived income inequality and a misunderstanding of the potential benefits of globalisation, have become an issue across the world, the EU has suffered more than most. The Union, however, may now be on the brink of embracing a more forward-looking approach to trade reform. More

Euroscepticism has been concerning the EU even before the UK voted to leave the bloc in June 2016. However, the failure of anti-EU nationalist movements to win power in the Netherlands and France, and the expected victory of the pro-EU camp in the upcoming German elections may be an indicator that any populist insurgency has now run its course, which could buy more time for the EU to bring in forward-looking reforms. More

Hong Kong businesses should monitor developments in certain areas of legal uncertainty which have arisen following Britain’s official triggering of Article 50 on 29 March 2017. This action officially marks the intention of the UK government to leave the European Union by 29 March 2019, and has many implications on commercial practice for businesses which currently operate concurrently within the UK market and other EU Member States. More

The UK is about to enter into negotiations with the EU over an exit agreement. Early indications are that the exit talks will be a difficult process. While Brexit has not caused noticeable damage to the British economy so far, the start of divorce talks will inevitably lead to a prolonged period of uncertainty, creating a significant drag on the UK economy and posing a threat to the world at large, including Hong Kong. More

On 13 March 2017, the UK Parliament passed the European Union (Notification of Withdrawal) Bill 2016-17 (the “Brexit Bill”) granting approval for Prime Minister Theresa May to trigger Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty to initiate the UK’s exit from the European Union. On 20 March 2017, the UK’s permanent representative to the European Union informed the EU that Mrs May plans to send a formal notification invoking Article 50 on 29 March 2017. More